South Tyneside CCTV Suicide Watch

South Tyneside Council has installed CCTV cameras on South Shields Cliffside in an attempt to prevent people committing suicide in the area.

14:24 23 April 2018

The cameras use thermal imaging to provide a full view at night and cover the entire coastline. CCTV footage is proactively monitored and has direct link to aid in early intervention by emergency services.

 

Andy Bailey, acting lead officer for community safety at the council, said that the cliffs are popular destinations for tourists but there is a “tragic situation in the borough” where some visitors “have thoughts of committing suicide.”

 

A council spokesman said: “As part of the council’s whole-community approach to suicide prevention we are committed to working with partners, communities, groups, mental health services and individuals to tackle this issue.

 

“CCTV cameras are deployed at various locations across the borough to enhance public safety.

 

“Cameras are a useful tool in providing an early alert to the emergency services to allow them to provide timely intervention to people in crisis.”